Real Sociedad continued to play Barcelona strong in the second half. Instead of the dominant possession we saw in the first half, Sociedad was able to keep the ball away from Barca and generate some legitimate chances. One opportunity early the half, forced a sliding clearance by Dani Alves that narrowly missed being an equalizing own goal.
Real Sociedad Vs. Barcelona: Sociedad Roars Back For A 2-1 Victory
The more Sociedad looked for a goal however, the more space it created for Barca and the more stretched out Sociedad became. When Barcelona was able to take advantage of the space, Sociedad was forced to resort to clutching and grabbing in a desperate attempt to prevent a break. Yet the minutes wore on and Barca was unable to find a second goal.
Sociedad’s persistent attack paid off in the 70th minute after a short pass at the top off the box, took a deflection and found Ifran charging on net. Pinto did his best to make himself big in front of the striker, but Ifran was able to beat the keeper and leave Barcelona stunned. It wasn’t a pretty goal, but Sociedad won’t complain.
Gabriel Milito appeared to put Barca back ahead in the 76th minute but his goal was disallowed by a horrific call from the linesman. Replays showed Milito was clearly onside and that the goal should have stood. To add injury to insult, Milito tweaked his hamstring on the play and was forced to exit the match. No doubt Jose Mourinho will say the call was some kind of karma catching up with Barcelona.
Things went from bad to worse for Pep Guardiola's men in the 82nd minute. After a bad clearance pass, Javier Mascherano knocked down David Zurutuza in the box and the referee quickly awarded a yellow card and penalty. Xabi Prieto managed to squeeze the ball past Jose Pinto to put Sociedad ahead 2-1. Credit to Sociedad for continuing to pressure and fight instead of sitting back and trying to play on the counter.
It was a well deserved three points for Real Sociedad, but Barcelona can rightly point to the officials who cost them at least a point with a extremely poor decision on Milito’s goal. Barcelona still leads Madrid by eight points in the table, but they will feel hard done by to not at least add one point to that lead. It’s only Barca’s second loss in the league this season and likely saves Sociedad from possible relegation.
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